Jurgen Habermas Research Articles

The postsecular moment in education: toward pedagogies of difference

The rise of secularism is one of the most striking features of modernity. Following Jurgen Habermas (2008, pp. 18, 27), this has involved three characteristics: (a) dominance of a ‘disenchanted’ wo...

Demokracja dyskursywna w myśleniu politycznym

The paper concerns one of the concepts of democracy. Each democracy assumes that the people who live together in society need certain procedures/institutions to make binding decisions that take into consideration everybody’s interests. The notion of a deliberative democracy is used to describe a system of political decisions based on the decision-making process perceived as a combination of consensus and representative democracy. Discursive democracy is a theoretical model of a political system propagated by Jurgen Habermas and Jon Elster, and also by Joshua Cohen, Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson. The concept was used for the first time by Joseph M. Bessette in his work Deliberative Democracy: The Majority Principle in Republican Government in 1980, and later on in The Mild Voice of Reason in 1994. Public debate is a key aspect of the discursive concept which emphasizes the manner in which all arguments are presented in open discussion. Discursive democracy assumes a larger participation of citizens in the legislative process by means of institutionalized debates organized to complement the process of informal opinion shaping. Deliberative democracy will win an increasing number of proponents. This certainly is not only a matter of will but also of realistic opportunities to participate in the process of building a deliberative democracy.

HOW TO PACK THE LEBENSWELT INTO A BLACK BOX: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

This paper proposes a way to de-transcendentalize the concept of the life-world (Lebenswelt), which is a phenomenological term for basic, pre-theoretical, intersubjective knowledge. The aim is to arrive at a conception that shows the decisive influence of the material background over the life-world. A critical examination of Don Ihde’s phenomenology indicates that the method of phenomenological reflection does not capture the influence of technologies in shaping the life-world and is restricted to the final stages of that shaping. The tools of science and technology studies (STS) are needed for de- transcendentalizing the concept of the life-world. Jurgen Habermas’s concept of the life-world is best suited to this task because it is quite consistent with the methodological requirements of STS and is least burdened by its phenomenological heritage. Nevertheless, some transcendentalist presuppositions are retained in the Habermas concept. These presuppositions are connected with the distinction between goal-oriented actions and communicative and strategic ones. Actor-network theory (ANT) methodology permits a reformulation of that distinction. First, the paper shows the similarity of ANT’s notion of the black box to Habermas’s concept of the life-world. Second, this paper formulates a conception for shaping the life-world which is consistent with ANT’s methodological requirements. Negotiation, which denotes the process of forming a black box by reducing the heterogeneity of multiple actors to one simple device or statement, is the key concept. In this way, the paper constructs a new theory of communication and the life-world free from the transcendentalist presuppositions that have undermined every concept of the life-world from Husserl to Habermas.

The Conceptual World of the Ghadarites

The Ghadar movement is framed by scholars variously as socialist or proto-communist, anarchist, secular or religious nationalist. These theoretical frames developed in the European historical contexts to oppose liberalism and modernism. Framing historical experiences of colonialism and resistance to it by using theories developed in radically different conditions of European capitalism and Enlightenment, disrupts history-writing and the historical consciousness of people in the Third World. This paper examines the historical consciousness that guided Ghadar resistance to colonial rule. How are we to understand the distinction between system and ‘lifeworld’ that Jurgen Habermas makes in a context where the ‘system’ is capitalist /imperialist/ modernist and the ‘lifeworld’ is South Asian/ Indian Enlightenment/ colonial? What was the ‘lifeworld’ of the Ghadar leaders that informed their understanding of nationalism and state, secularism and religion, liberation and justice? Theories contribute to creating historical consciousness and identity by showing us a view of the world that we can identify with, by providing a sense of continuity with the past. Disruption of South Asia’s historical consciousness has had profound consequences for the people of the subcontinent. This paper locates the Ghadar movement in the structural transformations of South Asia after the end of the First War of Independence in 1857 known as the Great Ghadar. The paper takes common theoretical lenses used to analyse the Ghadar movement in academic scholarship: secular and ethno-religious nationalism, anarchism and socialism as its point of departure to sketch the theoretical and philosophical routes through which Ghadar leaders arrived at comparable values and political positions. It shows how they could be secular, religious, anarchist and socialist simultaneously. The Ghadar movement is important because it is the last major resistance movement that saw South Asia through South Asian lenses and attempted to address problems of colonialism and national independence in ways that was consistent with Indian historical consciousness and cultural and intellectual traditions.

The Power of Money: Critical Theory, Democracy, and Capitalism

The question of capitalism—of whether capitalist economic structures and their characteristic forms of power are compatible with democratic principles—is unsettled. In the wake of the 2008 financial and then Eurozone crises, in an era of skyrocketing material inequality and incredibly concentrated forms of capitalist power, critical theorists can no longer presume that Keynesian technocratic administration will successfully manage capitalist crises and economic conflicts (Azmanova, 2014; Fraser & Jaeeggi, 2018; Kim, 2014; O'Neill, 2017; Ronzoni, 2018; Streeck, 2014; Thomas, 2016a). In particular, as capitalist societies have moved from an era of industrial, welfare state capitalism to debt-based growth and consumption (Crouch, 2009; Prasad, 2013; Streeck, 2014), conflicts over the politics of debt, whether at the individual, the national, or, in the case of the Eurozone, the super-national level, have become increasingly important. This article draws together the social and political theory of Jurgen Habermas and Karl Polanyi to develop a general framework for critically analyzing this contemporary political situation. Advancing a new interpretation of Polanyi’s theory, I contend it can help correct shortcomings in Habermas’s theory of capitalism. While Habermas’s theory seeks to realize social freedom through law, Polanyi argues for the concrete institutionalization of social freedom through democratic self-organization and collective struggle in the economy. Critical theorists have drawn on Polanyi’s empirical categories like the double movement (Fraser, 2013, 2014), but I here reconstruct the broader theoretical concepts that inform his empirical analyses and illustrate their analytic and normative value.

A note on discourse ethics and naturalized social contracts

Beginning the first section with Joseph Heath’s criticism on Jurgen Habermas’s discourse ethics, the author clarifies the structure of deontological ethics in its Kantian version and discourse ethics version. He argues that if we are not satisfied with a transcendental inference, we should take a naturalistic approach to the problem of ethics and norms. In the second section, he appreciates the game theoretic approach to the problematic social contract by Brian Skyrms and Kenneth Binmore. As a result of the historical evolution of a society, a naturalistic version of ethics (e.g., Binmore’s empathy equilibrium) comes to reflect historical heritage and then the dominant social structure. In the third section, he offers a scheme of the dual structure of the normative and real dimensions to grasp the problematic areas of the ethical problem. He explains these areas and maintains that a dual-dimension scheme can compensate for the partiality of both the idealist and naturalist directions.

De la Europa del “desencantamiento” a la Europa del “desenkantamiento”

En el siguiente artículo se expone primeramente la tesis de Max Weber del “desencantamiento del mundo” como diagnóstico de la situación social de comienzos del siglo XX. En segundo lugar, se presenta la noción de consenso propuesta por Jürgen Habermas para paliar el reto político del pluralismo en las democracias modernas. Tras identificar en ambos la presencia de la filosofía kantiana como la principal dificultad para abordar soluciones a largo plazo, se ofrece una respuesta desde la filosofía de Edith Stein.

INTERDISCIPLINARIDADE E FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE FÍSICA, MATEMÁTICA, PORTUGUÊS E INGLÊS: IMPLICAÇÕES DE NEGOCIAÇÕES

Neste trabalho, apresenta-se um processo de pesquisa-ação desenvolvido entre coordenador, estudantes de cursos de licenciatura e professores da Educação Básica das áreas de Física, Matemática, Língua Portuguesa e Língua Inglesa, no âmbito do Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) Interdisciplinar, em Curitiba, Paraná, entre os meses de março a dezembro de 2015. Esse processo envolveu momentos de planejamento, ação, observação e reflexão no desenvolvimento de uma proposta interdisciplinar envolvendo as referidas áreas. A concepção formativa inerente a esse processo agrega pressupostos das teorias da Ação Dialógica, de Paulo Freire, da Ação Comunicativa, de Jürgen Habermas, e da Aprendizagem Significativa, de David Ausubel e colaboradores. No escopo desses referenciais teóricos, destaca-se a compreensão de formação de professores associada a negociações envolvendo aspectos explicativos, objetivos, sociais e subjetivos. Os sujeitos nesse processo se envolveram na análise e construção de conhecimentos, de regulamentações e atitudes, com a ampliação de aspectos conceituais e lingüísticos. Os dados analisados e apresentados neste trabalho foram constituídos por meio de registros escritos em diário de campo, gravações em áudio e vídeo, e-mails, questionários e documentos elaborados pelos sujeitos envolvidos no processo. A análise de dados envolveu pressupostos e características de Análise de Conteúdo e de Estudo de Textos e Discursos Argumentativos. Destacam-se possibilidades formativas associadas à ampliação de espaços comunicativos entre sujeitos de áreas diferentes e ao estabelecimento de relações entre perspectivas diversas.

UNIVERSALITY OF CULTURE AT CHALLENGES OF MODERN ISSUE: EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS

Philosophy as the principle of intellectual "capture" of organic cultural unity, its reflection, provides the necessary categorical and methodological apparatus for a discursive analysis of the current state of culture, the place in it of an individual, the possibility of searching for its further explications of self-expansion. The need for this referential analysis of the content-ideological foundations of culture is perhaps the most urgent task for modern humanities. Developed, for example, by Jurgen Habermas and Karl- Otto Apel of the concept of discursive ethics undeniably postulates the fact that in the event of the impossibility of organizing a new type of social life based on another type of civic consciousness and other principles of interpersonal communication, humanity generally risks ending its existence. It is recognized that world culture is in a state of crisis for a long time. There were no trends indicating a certain positive dynamics of its transformation. Therefore, the necessity follows the conclusion - culture as a product of the creative specific human way of developing the world needs "help" from its conscious carrier.

A PERSISTÊNCIA DA EUROPA COMO MEDIDA DA MODERNIDADE

O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar as relações entre eurocentrismo como padrão cognitivo imperial e o pensamento social de Jürgen Habermas. Tal análise será levada a cabo pela discussão do método comparativo bastante comum à tradição das ciências sociais europeias e cujo uso em Habermas torna possível entrever o monismo universalista característica de sua teoria em que a Europa é tomada como norma, significante mestre, medida de todas as outras sociedades e civilizações do mundo. Para desenvolver o objetivo delineado, foram escolhidas, basicamente, duas obras, uma dos anos de 1980 e outra do início do século XXI com o intuito de mostrar como a narrativa habermasiana se mantém basicamente presa ao que designamos por padrão cognitivo imperial europeu pela qual se entreve uma geopolítica de classificação da população mundial cuja dinâmica se iniciou em 1492 com a conquista da América.

O problema do caráter epistêmico de normas e valores no debate Putnam-Habermas: uma resposta da teoria da normatividade de Clarence Irving Lewis

A questão do relacionamento entre a normatividade e valoração e sua incorporação no discurso racional é um dos problemas mais relevantes na filosofia contemporânea e é claramente desdobrada em todas as suas complexidades no debate paradigmático mantido entre Hilary Putnam e Jürgen Habermas durante a primeira década do século XXI. A partir dessas posições que reivindicam a tradição do pragmatismo americano, os filósofos discutem a objetividade dos juízos de valor e normativos defendendo, com diferenças significativas, uma posição cognitivista. A presente contribuição aborda essa discussão com o propósito de apresentar o pragmatismo conceitualista de Clarence Irving Lewis como uma alternativa e posição profícua com os recursos para interagir com algumas das principais questões discutidas por Putnam e Habermas. Meu propósito é mostrar o modo como Lewis explica o caráter cognitivo das normas e valores enquanto sustenta, simultaneamente, uma demarcação significativa entre ambos os conceitos. Argumentarei que essa distinção é pragmática – não epistêmica –, e que isso permite ao pragmatista defender um cognitivismo que pode articular um naturalismo não reducionista referente aos valores com um conceito racionalista de normas, uma posição que pode evitar algumas das objeções que enfrentam Putnam e Habermas.

STRATEGI MEDIA RELATIONS DALAM PROGRAM CSR GEOPARK CILETUH: STUDI PT BIO FARMA

Media relations activity is one of the efforts that can be used to achieve the objectives of the CSR program, which is engaged in the underdeveloped region into an integrated tourism area. This research is expected to provide clear explanation of the media relations strategies conducted by Bio Farma in the CSR program Ciletuh Geopark especially in establishing a good relationship with the media. The research method used is descriptive research with qualitative approach. This research refers to Communicative Action Theory proposed by Jurgen Habermas, Media Relations Theory and CSR Theory. Data collection techniques used in-depth interviews with internal and external sources, the company’s annual reports, literature studies, journals and internet as secondary data. The results show that by doing media relations activities through tiered personalized approach in order to create consensus, good relationships and trust between Bio Farma and journalists. Bio Farma used the basis of claims of validity as a competent resource, especially in establishing relationships with the media.

MENYOAL INTERNET SEBAGAI RUANG PUBLIK DALAM PERSPEKTIF HABERMAS

The idea of the internet as an ideal public sphere has still become a debate. In some studies, some experts criticize the idea, but some accept it. This article discusses the problem as seen from the perspective of the theory of Public Sphere which was initiated by Jurgen Habermas It also briefly explains the thinking concept of Habermas, Virtual Public Sphere, Democracy in the Internet Age, and Visual Culture.

Sexy Media Dissidents: State Regulation, Dissidence, Pornography and Gay Men in Malaysia

This paper considers the effects of media censorship and dissidence in Malaysia within the context of gay men and pornography, and how these oft-considered taboo subjects intersect within the society. Malaysia’s media landscape has revealed many flaws in the country’s political and social environment. The place of gay men and pornography within this media landscape is examined through interviews with gay Malaysian men. It frames the intersection of politics and private lives through the lenses of sociologist and philosopher Jurgen Habermas, feminist Carol Hanisch, psychologist Todd G. Morrison and sociologist Jeffrey Weeks. An analysis of selected interviews reveals that within the Malaysian media landscape, pornography surpasses the realm of pleasure, and is a form of dissent and discreet protest against the regulation of sexual lives. The stigmatisation of pornography and pervasive homophobic rhetoric has allowed these sexy media dissidents to perform new connections, foster self-awareness and move toward increasing political and sexual freedom and subjectivity.

Escritos para pensar lo público-político en tiempos de algoritmos y plataformas conectivas

<p>Las discusiones sobre lo público se han suscitado en el debate académico desde las primeras conceptualizaciones realizadas entre fines de la década del ‘50 y principios de los ‘60 del siglo XX por Hannah Arendt y Jürgen Haber­mas en sus ya clásicos <em>La condición humana</em> e <em>Historia y crítica de la opinión pública</em>, respectivamente. Los cuestionamientos, atenuaciones y respuestas a estos planteos no tardaron en aparecer, incluso, contemporáneamente a la publicación de las obras mencionadas. A aquel conjunto de planteos —que varios autores de este volumen recuperan y problematizan— se suman hoy los diferentes argumentos que se han precipitado en relación con los recientes cambios acaecidos en la configuración de la esfera pública, sobre todo aquellos vinculados con el desarrollo del proceso histórico de mediatización.</p>

Conocimiento crítico e interés emancipatorio, o la Escuela de Frankfurt y sus tres haches

A fines de reconstruir cómo el proyecto de la teoría crítica de la sociedad ha adquirido sus principales determinaciones, en el presente artículo, que se desprende de una investigación más amplia sobre el marxismo contemporáneo, se atiende a algunas de las contribuciones efectuadas por Max Horkheimer, Jürgen Habermas y Axel Honneth. Se examinan, más específicamente, los propósitos y tareas que cada uno de estos pensadores de la Escuela de Frankfurt prescriben a la teoría crítica con la intención de resolver el problema del vínculo subyacente entre conocimiento (crítico) e interés (emancipatorio). Para ello se procede en tres pasos: primero, se analiza cómo surge la idea original de una teoría crítica en contraposición con la de una teoría tradicional (I); hecho esto, se indaga en cómo la idea en cuestión es desligada de sus connotaciones antropológicas marxistas e inscripta en el contexto de una teoría de la acción comunicativa (II); luego, se da cuenta de la actualización que experimenta dicho contexto de inscripción de la teoría crítica al ser repensado en los términos de la lucha social por el reconocimiento (III). Se ofrece, para finalizar, una serie de conclusiones (IV).

REASON, POWER, AND THE PROJECT OF EMANCIPATION

The focus of this article is the project of emancipation — alternately known as the Enlightenment project, or the project of modernity. The principal goal of this project is the elimination of domination and the emancipation of humanity. Having originated during the period of the Enlightenment, this project has powerfully shaped the course of European and world history. Yet despite centuries of progress, the project has still failed to achieve its goal. The article tries to answer one question: Why has the project of emancipation failed to achieve its goal? In answering this question I focus on the work of Jurgen Habermas — arguably the most important contemporary advocate of the project of emancipation — and his proposed solution of this problem. My analysis shows that Habermas, as many of his predecessors, still fails to solve the problem of exclusion. The failure to solve this problem is the main reason why Habermas and the Enlightenment more generally fail to eliminate domination and achieve emancipation. The article argues that in order to solve the problem of exclusion, our civilization must transcend the paradigm of the Enlightenment. It proposes a new theoretical approach that transcends this paradigm. The distinct feature of this new approach is that it is articulated around the process of creation. According to the new approach, the process of creation should be the main focus of our social practice. It also discusses some general principles of the new social practice. Further research along the lines outlined in this article will be essential for creating and developing new institutional forms that would embody this new social practice.

Ratzinger, Habermas i Pera o racji publicznej i religii

Artykuł poświęcony jest refleksji Józefa Ratzingera/Benedykta XVI, Marcello Pery oraz Jürgena Habermasa dotyczącej uwzględniania teistycznego paradygmatu w nauce. Chociaż powyżsi myśliciele wywodzą się z różnych szkół filozoficznych, to łączy ich wspólne przekonanie, co do faktu, że ateistyczny paradygmat w naukach, szczególnie etyce, prowadzi do redukcjonizmu i w konsekwencji utrudnia autentyczne poznanie. Proponowanym rozwiązaniem tej sytuacji jest postępować zgodnie z zasadą veluti si Deus daretur, a więc tak, jak gdyby Bóg rzeczywiście istniał.

Telaah Kritis Konstruksi Eksistensialisme dalam Teologi Antroposentris Ḥasan Ḥanafī

Anthropocentric theological reconstruction of Ḥasan Ḥanafī introduces us a set of humanity themes as a stand point to build and develop human’s religious-spiritual reason in order to respond to spiritual emptiness of the West and material desolation of the East. Human beings possess what so-called authenticity of actions. It is—within Ḥanafī’s anthropocentric theological reconstruction—termed as independent human; a human who has independence in every action and makes the Islamic theology as the basis of his/her spiritual and practical values. Critical reading through the theory of hermeneutics promulgated by Jurgen Habermas brings this article to a finding of epistemological correlation between the independent human (within Ḥanafī’s anthropocentric theological reconstruction) and the construction of thought the West’s existentialism philosophy. Critical-constructive reading of this article puts Ḥanafī as a theistic-existentialist philosopher along with Islamic theology as his fundamental basis.

The Public Sphere in Modern China: Forms, Functions and Self-Understandings—A Case Study of Shanghai

Using the case of Shanghai, this article, by starting with a discussion of the historical evolution of political legitimacy in China, analyzes the public sphere in Modern China and its native ideological origin, historical forms and functions in public opinion, and probes into its universality and particularity through a comparison with Jurgen Habermas’s notion of the public sphere.